Angular Position Encoder Calibration for Eccentricity and Wobble Errors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary encoders face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy due to mechanical tolerance issues, runout errors, and wobble errors, which are exacerbated by complex alignment requirements and assembly costs, especially in small encoders with code tracks of small diameters.

Innovation Solution

An angular position encoder system that includes a first dimensioning body and rotary angle sensor means to generate coarse angle signals, combined with a reference encoder for generating precise reference fine angle signals, allowing for the detection and correction of eccentricity and wobble errors through calculation methods and signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mechanical tolerance limits are maintained between measuring means and measuring body for high measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidalignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction values for eccentricity errors in a lookup table during the manufacturing phase. These correction values are determined in advance based on measured eccentricity parameters, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations or precise mechanical alignment during assembly. The system simply retrieves pre-computed correction data based on detected shaft positions, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If distance of sensing elements from axis of rotation is reduced to minimize eccentricity angle error, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular error reductionVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical solution of precisely positioning sensing elements close to the rotation axis with a computational approach. Instead of relying on precise mechanical alignment, the system uses a lookup table containing pre-calculated correction values that compensate for eccentricity errors regardless of the sensing element distance. This substitution of mechanical precision requirements with data-processing-based correction resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If complex alignment of measuring body relative to measuring means is performed to maintain mechanical tolerance limits, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically compensate for alignment errors and eccentricity through the lookup table mechanism. During operation, the system detects the actual shaft position and retrieves corresponding correction values without requiring manual intervention or complex alignment procedures. This self-correcting capability eliminates the need for skilled alignment work during assembly, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If precise positioning of measuring instruments and measuring devices is performed to reduce angular errors, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time in assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular error reductionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing all necessary correction values in the lookup table during the manufacturing and calibration phase. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming precise positioning and alignment procedures during final assembly. The system achieves high measurement precision by simply retrieving pre-calculated data, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4653822A1Angular position sensor, calibration device and adjustment device
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 BAUMER GERMANY GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4653822A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4653822A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4653822A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an angular position encoder (1) for detecting the respective angle of rotation of a rotational movement of a shaft (50), which is rigidly connected to an externally mounted first dimensioning body (2), which in a coupling state is rotationally rigidly (8) connected to a self-mounted second dimensioning body (7). The present invention further relates to a calibration device (2000) for generating calibration data for a rotary encoder (3000) that detects the angle of rotation of a shaft (3001), and to an adjustment device (4000) designed for generating and transmitting adjustment data for a rotary encoder.